BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — David Batson, a 25-year veteran of the Texas A&M athletics department, has been named Assistant Commissioner for Compliance with the Southeastern Conference, it was announced Tuesday by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.
Batson has served in a compliance role for the Aggies athletics program since 1992, other than a two-year stint in the NCAA national office from 1998-99.
“The SEC is pleased and fortunate to have David Batson join the conference in this critical role,” said Sankey. “David’s knowledge of NCAA and SEC rules, his experience in the field of compliance and his relationships in the league made him the ideal candidate for supporting the compliance efforts of the conference office.”
Batson most recently served as Texas A&M’s Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Compliance since March 2016 which included not only compliance oversight but also sport oversight for the Aggies’ soccer, men’s tennis and men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs. Previously he was Director of Athletics Compliance beginning in August 1999.
“Having worked closely with David over the years, I know he will strengthen our compliance staff in many ways,” said William King, SEC Associate Commissioner for Legal Affairs and Compliance. “We are fortunate to have him on our team.”
Batson first joined Texas A&M in 1992 as Athletics Compliance Education Coordinator and served in that role for six years before joining the NCAA national office, then located in Overland Park, Kansas. Batson served the NCAA membership through his role as a Membership Services Representative and Interpretations Coordinator from June 1998 through July 1999.
During his time at Texas A&M Batson has also served on the NCAA Division I Legislative Review/Interpretations Committee (2008-2012, Chair for final two years); Division I Softball Committee (2005-2009, Chair for final two years) and the Division I Legislative Committee (2014 to present). Additionally, Batson has served on the NCAA’s AMA technology Advisory Group and the NCAA Division I Two-Year Governance Structure Ad Hoc Working Group as well as the National Association for Athletic Compliance (NAAC) Reasonable Standards Subcommittee.
A 1987 finance graduate of Sam Houston State, Batson began his career in athletics as a graduate assistant track and field coach at Sam Houston State University while completing his MBA in May 1989. Batson was a walk-on cross country runner for the Bearkats and also participated on the Bearkats’ club lacrosse team.
Batson transitioned to athletics administration for Sam Houston State, contributing in several areas of the department including, compliance, concessions and facilities, before he moved to Stephen F. Austin for two years. Batson oversaw academic services and assisted with compliance efforts as the Lumberjacks Athletic Certification Officer during from 1990-92.
Batson’s leadership and contribution to the athletics compliance profession earned him the honor of being selected for NAAC’s top honor in 2013, the Frank Kara Leadership Award.
Outside of his compliance duties for Texas A&M, Batson enjoyed his role of color commentator for Aggie Softball from 2011-17 and served as a Legislative Consultant for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association from 2010-17.
The son of Charles and Francine Batson, David is married to former Aggie softball student-athlete Shelley Toney and they have one daughter, Brynn.
Story courtesy of the Southeastern Conference